Judging Observation JEP

What is Observation?

In the context of the Judges Education Programme observation is a learning and development experience where a Judge is observed while judging at a show, by an experienced Breed Observer, to ensure they are able to demonstrate sufficient ability in terms of knowledge of the breed being judged and also ring manner to progress to the next level.

What is the aim of Observation?

To ensure judges of the breed are assessing dogs in an acceptable fashion for the specific breed and are able to demonstrate knowledge previously acquired during the mentoring stages of the Judges Education Programme.

To review and evaluate the observed Judge’s knowledge and interpretation of the breed standard and breed specific and general judging issues.

When can I be Observed and where?

When?

In order to be eligible to undertake an observation session, judges must:

● Be registered at Level 2 for the respective breed.

● Have completed a minimum of three mentoring sessions

It is highly recommended that the following is attained before observation takes place (for a judge’s first breed):

● Have completed 12 full days stewarding

● Have owned/bred a minimum of 3 dogs when they obtained their first entry in the Kennel Club Stud Book – save for exceptional circumstances.

Where?

Observation may take place in the following scenarios:

1. Breed club show (including Special Awards Classes).

2. Breed club supported entry show.

3. Championship show without Challenge Certificates on offer.

How do I apply to be Observed?

Judges should ensure that they have completed all of their mentoring sessions and contact the respective BEC to alert them to a suitable judging appointment for which the observation may be carried out.

The BEC should then arrange for a Breed Observer to attend the appointment and complete an Observation Record Form following the completion of the judging and discussion with the judge on their appointment. All Observations are to be arranged by the BEC only.

How do I know the outcome of my Observation?

• The Breed Observer and judge should have a detailed discussion on the judging. The Observer may wish to ask the judge to explain why they placed some dogs in the order that they did, to give an overall impression of the breed and its merits and demerits as indicated by the dogs judged, on particular classes.
• The Breed Observer should provide written feedback to the judge and complete the Observation Record Form, to include particularly strong or weak aspects of performance where appropriate.
• A Judge is required to receive a minimum of four ‘Very Good’ and above and one ‘Good’ or ‘Basic’ OR 3 ‘Very Good’ and above and 2 ‘Good’ in the categories on the Observation Record Form to successfully complete an observation session.

Who are the Observers?

Linda Firth

Sue Kinton

Dawn Inett

Chris Roberts

Brenda Shannon

Maggie Shopland

Geoff Thomas

Anne Waugh

What is the criteria For becoming an Observer?

Persons who have bred/owned at least 3 UK champions in the breed (Champion or Show Champion) and awarded CCs at least 3 times.

Persons who do not meet the criteria above but are supported by at least 50% of breed clubs (except where there is one breed club and they have the support of that club) or by the breed council and the KC Judges Committee and have been approved to award CCs in the breed. This will normally ONLY apply in breeds where

there are insufficient judges qualified as above – mainly non-CC breeds and breeds that have recently gained CC status.

Persons wishing to be considered as a Breed Observer who meet the criteria listed above should contact the Breed Education Co-ordinator (BEC) in the first instance to indicate their willingness. The BEC will include them on the breed’s observer list.

Notes

A Breed Observer will not be able to handle or to exhibit any dog owned by them (including in partnership with them) under the judge they are observing.

No person can act as a Breed Observer for a judge that they have previously mentored for the respective breed.